Racking System

ABSTRACT

A catering shelving system is disclosed with a series of shelves in order to assist caters in transporting food from one location to another. The shelving system racks may be detachable or pivotally attached through the use of rotation mechanisms for easy break down and storage. The shelving system may accommodate a series of different types of pans of all shapes, sizes, and weights.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of and takes priority from U.S. Provisional Application Ser. No. 62/436,550 filed on Dec. 20, 2016, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to shelving systems, specifically shelving systems for catering and food storage.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Shelving systems have long been used for numerous storage needs. Shelving has been used in the catering business in order to organize trays of food to create space, prevent contamination, and store multiple meals at one time. Shelving has also been used to transport food from the catering kitchen to the necessary event location.

Current shelving, specifically for catering purposes, tends to be not sturdy causing trays of food to fall or collide. In other circumstances, caterers are required to balance one tray on top of another tray on top of another tray causing food to be crushed or in some circumstances spoiled.

In other situations, pans used to carry food can be bent, smashed, and damaged when stacked during the transportation of the food to the catering event. The pressure of the one pan or tray on another pan or tray can build up pressure on all the remaining pans on the racks.

Further, in many circumstances, the shelving that exists does not allow for top loader food delivery bags to accommodate certain sized pans. This may cause many issues for a caterer who is trying to transport many larger type pans from one location to the next. Because of the lack of shelving available that fit with appropriate delivery bags, catering companies are unable to transport a greater amount of food. Additionally, food that does not fit within delivery bag shelving may be spoiled causing a catering company to lose money and risk damage to the company's reputation. Many caters depend on recommendations from customers to build a catering business. Therefore, food presentation is important and a caterer cannot risk smashed food. In addition, caters need to utilize as much space as possible to transport food from one location to another for a more efficient, cost-effective, and successful business.

As known, there are many shelving systems that exist that may be fixed at certain predetermined heights or may be adjustable to one of a series of available heights. While many of the designs are not without their respective merits, several limitations do exist with these systems within the catering world. For one, the ratio of a load that may be supported by the shelving system to the weight of the shelving system typically varies. For example, a shelving system that is infused with reinforced steel may be able to support a relatively large load, however the weight that is added to the shelving system makes the entire system cumbersome and difficult to reconfigure or adjust to the specific needs of the caterer. On the other hand, if a shelving system is too light, the load it can support may be severely restricted thus limiting the scope of use of the shelving system.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The instant series of system, method and series of apparatuses, as illustrated herein, are clearly not anticipated, rendered obvious, or even present in any of the prior art mechanisms, either alone or in any combination thereof. Thus, the several embodiments of the instant system are illustrated herein.

In one aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel racking and shelving system to assist food caterers.

In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel racking system to accommodate a series of food pans of different weights, sizes, and shapes.

In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel racking system that prevents catering pans from being bent, smashed, and/or damaged during transportation of food from one location to another.

Another aspect of the present apparatus introduces a novel racking system that ensures the usage of a top loading shelf to accommodate a series of food pans of different weights, sizes, and shapes.

In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel racking system that protects the transportation of catering food and ensures the food stays in place, preventing spills and damage to the food. In turn, a catering company may present food at a vendor location intact, free from damage or squishing.

In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel racking system that allows for the racking of numerous pants in order to prevent any unnecessary stacking or pressure from multiple stacked pans.

In a further aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel shelving system that is an inexpensive alternative for caterers to transport food from one location to another.

In yet another aspect, the present apparatus introduces a novel shelving system that is easy to manage and provides an efficient means to transport catered food from one location to another.

Realizing one aspect of the system is a new shelving and racking system that provides a more efficient, inexpensive, safer, and cost effective system for caterers to shelve multiple food pans at once, transport the pans, and prevent any damage done on the pans and catered food during transportation.

These together with other objects of the system, along with the various features of novelty, which characterize the system and accompanying apparatuses, are pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this disclosure. For a better understanding of the system, its operating advantages and the specific objects attained by its uses, reference should be made to the accompanying drawings and descriptive matter in which there are illustrated preferred embodiments of the system.

To the accomplishment of the foregoing and related ends, certain illustrative aspects are described herein in connection with the following description and the annexed drawings. These aspects are indicative of the various ways in which the principles disclosed herein can be practiced and all aspects and equivalents thereof are intended to be within the scope of the claimed subject matter. Other advantages and novel features will become apparent from the following detailed description when considered in conjunction with the drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention may be more completely understood in consideration of the following detailed description of the various embodiments of the invention in connection with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side view of one embodiment of a shelving system fully assembled;

FIG. 2A illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the shelving system in a partial dissembled state;

FIG. 2B illustrates a side view of one embodiment of the shelving system in a fully dissembled state;

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of one embodiment of the shelving system fully assembled.

FIG. 4 illustrates a side view of another embodiment of a shelving system fully assembled;

FIG. 5A illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the shelving system in a partial dissembled state;

FIG. 5B illustrates a side view of another embodiment of the shelving system in a fully dissembled state;

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of another embodiment of the shelving system fully assembled.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL EMBODIMENTS

The detailed description set forth below in connection with the appended drawings is intended as a description of presently-preferred embodiments of the apparatus and does not represent the only forms in which the present apparatus may be constructed and/or utilized. The description sets forth the functions and the sequence of steps for constructing and operating the apparatus in connection with the illustrated embodiments. However, it is to be understood that the same or equivalent functions and sequences may be accomplished by different embodiments that are also intended to be encompassed within the spirit and scope of the invention.

For the following defined terms, these definitions shall be applied, unless a different definition is given in the claims or elsewhere in this specification. All numeric values are herein assumed to be modified by the term “about”, whether or not explicitly indicated. The term “about” generally refers to a range of numbers that one of skill in the art would consider equivalent to the recited value (i.e., having the same function or result). In many instances, the terms “about” may include numbers that are rounded to the nearest significant figure.

As used in this specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a”, “an”, and “the” include plural referents unless the content clearly dictates otherwise. As used in this specification and the appended claims, the term “or” is generally employed in its sense including “and/or” unless the content clearly dictates otherwise.

The following description should be read with reference to the drawings wherein like reference numerals indicate like elements throughout the several views. The drawings, which are not necessarily to scale, depict illustrative embodiments of the claimed invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates the side view of a preferred embodiment of the shelving system 10. Herein, the shelving system comprises a series of shelves, but at least a first shelf 16 a, a second shelf 16 b, and a third shelf 16 c. The series of shelves 16 a, 16 b, 16 c, are in communication with a vertical retaining pole 12 that maintains the structure of the shelving system 10. The first shelf 16 a and the third shelf 16 c are pivotally attached to the retaining pole 12 by a rotation mechanisms 14 a and 14 b. These rotation mechanisms allow the first shelf and the third shelf to rotate. In the case of the first shelf 16 a, the rotation mechanism 14 a allows the first shelf to rotate 90 degrees upward (as shown in FIG. 2A). In the case of the third shelf 16 c, the rotation mechanism 14 b allows the third shelf to rotate 270 degrees around (as shown in FIG. 2A). The first, second, and third shelves may also be supported by supporting devices 18. The supporting devices ensure that the shelves may withhold varying weights. The supporting devices 18 extend along the long dimension of the shelves, parallel to each other. Further, the second shelf 16 b, is detachable to the retaining pole 12.

FIGS. 2A and 2B illustrate the potential break down of the shelving system 10. Herein, as stated, the first shelf 16 a, the rotation mechanism 14 a allows the first shelf to rotate 90 degrees upward. In the case of the third shelf 16 c, the rotation mechanism 14 b allows the third shelf to rotate 270 degrees around. The second shelf 16 b is detachable from the retaining pole 12 for easy storage purposes. As shown in FIG. 2B, the shelving system 10 is in a fully collapsible position, wherein the second shelf 16 b is detached and the first shelf 16 a and the second shelf 16 b are rotated appropriately until they are placed flush against the retaining pole 12. This allows for easy storage of the shelving system when the system is not in use by a user.

FIG. 3 illustrates a perspective view of the storage system 10 fully assembled. As shown when fully assembled, the three shelves are in communication with the retaining pole 12. The shelving system may withstand heavy weights. Further, the shelving system can accommodate pans of all different, shapes, sizes, weights, and styles. The shelving system will stop the pans from being bent, smashes, and damaged during transportation of food. Further, the shelving system may accommodate delivery catering bags.

FIG. 4 illustrates the side view of a preferred embodiment of the shelving system 20. Herein, the shelving system comprises a series of shelves, but at least a first shelf 26 a, a second shelf 26 b, and a third shelf 26 c. The shelves 26 a and 26 c, are in communication with a vertical retaining pole 22 that maintains the structure of the shelving system 20. The first shelf 26 a and the third shelf 26 c are pivotally attached to the retaining pole 22 by a rotation mechanisms 24 a and 24 b and in one embodiment, extend three inches beyond the vertical retaining pole 22. These rotation mechanisms allow the first shelf and the third shelf to rotate. In the case of the first shelf 26 a, the rotation mechanism 24 a allows the first shelf to rotate 90 degrees upward or downward. In the case of the third shelf 26 c, the rotation mechanism 24 b allows the third shelf to rotate 90 upward or downward. The first, second, and third shelves may also be supported by supporting devices 28. The supporting devices 28 ensure that the shelves may withhold varying weights. The supporting devices 28 extend along the long dimension of the shelves, parallel to each other. Further, the second shelf 26 b, is detachable, as shown, to the retaining pole 22. Finally, the current embodiment includes cavities 30, 32, and 34.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate the potential break down of the shelving system 20. Herein, as stated, the first shelf 26 a, the rotation mechanism 24 a allows the first shelf to rotate 270 degrees up and backward and 90 degrees downward. In the case of the third shelf 26 c, the rotation mechanism 24 b allows the third shelf to rotate 270 degrees backward and 90 degrees up. The second shelf 26 b is detachable from the retaining pole 22 for easy storage purposes. As shown in FIG. 5B, the shelving system 20 is in a fully collapsible position, wherein the second shelf 26 b is detached and the first shelf 26 a and the second shelf 26 b are rotated appropriately until they are placed flush against the retaining pole 22. This allows for easy storage of the shelving system when the system is not in use by a user.

FIG. 6 illustrates a perspective view of the storage system 20 fully assembled. As shown when fully assembled, the three shelves 26 a, 26 b, 26 c are in communication with the retaining pole 22. In the present embodiment there are three cavities 36, 38 and 40 in the vertical retaining pole 12. The shelving system may withstand heavy weights. Further, the shelving system can accommodate pans of all different, shapes, sizes, weights, and styles. The shelving system will stop the pans from being bent, smashes, and damaged during transportation of food. Further, the shelving system may accommodate delivery catering bags.

Herein, in a preferred embodiment, the shelving system displays three shelves but in other embodiments, the system may display more than three or less than three. The sizes and dimensions of the shelves may vary in different embodiments.

It should be understood that various alternatives to the embodiments of the disclosure described herein may be employed in practicing the disclosure. Elements of an implementation of the systems and methods described herein may be independently implemented or combined with other implementations. It is intended that the claims to follow with the utility application define the scope of the disclosure and that systems, methods, and devices within the scope of these claims and their equivalents be covered thereby. 

1. A shelving system comprising: a vertical retaining member; a series of shelves comprising: a first shelf, wherein the first shelf rotates two hundred seventy degrees upward and ninety degrees downward; a second shelf, wherein the second shelf is detachable; and a third shelf, wherein the third shelf rotates two hundred seventy degrees backward and ninety degrees upward; a pair of rotation mechanisms; and at least one supporting device; wherein the first shelf is pivotally attached to the vertical retaining member by a first rotation mechanism of the pair and the third shelf is pivotally attached to the vertical retaining member by a second rotation mechanism of the pair.
 2. (canceled)
 3. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the first shelf and the third shelf extend three inches beyond the vertical retaining member.
 4. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the supporting device is in communication with each of the series of shelves and with the vertical retaining member.
 5. The shelving system of claim 4, wherein the supporting device is in permanent communication with the series of shelves.
 6. (canceled)
 7. (canceled)
 8. (canceled)
 9. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the top shelf and the bottom shelf are rotated parallel and in communication with the vertical retaining member.
 10. The shelving system of claim 2, wherein the first shelf and the third shelf can be rotated parallel to the vertical retaining member on either the front or back side.
 11. The shelving system of claim 2, wherein the first shelf and the third shelf are parallel and in communication with the vertical retaining member when rotated to opposite sides.
 12. (canceled)
 13. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein the vertical retaining member has at least one cavity for reception of each of the series of shelves.
 14. The shelving system of claim 1 wherein there are three cavities throughout the center of the vertical retaining member.
 15. The shelving system of claim 14, wherein a first and second cavity are below the first shelf and above the second shelf while a third cavity is between the second shelf and the third shelf. 